The Houn' Dawgs played the role of spoiler in more than just one way Tuesday at Monett, as they upended the previously Big 8 Conference undefeated Monett Cubs 13-6. The win improved Aurora to 18-3 overall and 6-1 in the Big 8 Conference and dropped Monett to 19-3 overall and 7-1 in the Big 8 Conference. Spoiler number two was giving Monett a loss on their senior night.
The Houn' Dawgs found a way to break out of a recent streak of hitting doldrums, putting together 14 hits, five of those extra-base hits, to earn a key Big 8 Conference win on the road. Aurora scored four runs twice, both in the second and fourth inning. The second inning rally was highlighted by doubles by Tyler Moore and Wyatt Sparks. In the fourth inning, Kaleb Baker got one of his two doubles to give Aurora a commanding 9-1 lead.
"We've had a string of about three games where we have been hitting the ball hard," said Aurora coach James Hoffman. "Tonight those hard-hit balls started to find the holes."
Monett added three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning when Alex Rivera singled in two runs and an error added the third run.
Aurora added two runs in the fifth and seventh inning to solidify the win.
"Our schedule is unlike any other," Hoffman said. "We are proud of where we are with this kind of schedule and now we have a shot at a conference championship."
Junior Zac Shoemaker got the win for Aurora, pitching six innings and striking out five and giving up seven hits and no earned runs. Sophomore Wyatt Sparks came in to get the save for Aurora, throwing the seventh inning and striking out three.
Matthew Miller had three hits and 1 RBI to pace the Houn' Dawgs. Baker added two doubles and four RBIs, while Eric Shoenberger drove in three runs with one base hit.
Monett's J. Hawkins took the loss, giving up six earned runs on nine hits.
Aurora hosts Springfield Catholic Wednesday, followed by a key trip to Carl Junction Thursday night to determine whether the Big 8 Conference will have a 2-way tie or 3-way tie.
Aurora — 1 4 0 4 2 0 2 – 13
Monett — 0 1 0 3 0 2 0 – 6
